Squeezable multi-panel plastic container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plastic container comprising two substantially smooth opposing squeezable panels, separated by a vacuum panel and having at least one arcuate indentation adapted to allow flexure of the respective panel without permanent distortion or creasing when a force is applied to the panel toward the container interior.

1 . A container, comprising:
 a plastic body having a neck portion defining an opening, connected to a shoulder portion extending downward and connecting to a tubular sidewall extending downward and joining a bottom portion forming a base,   said sidewall defining a container interior and comprising two substantially smooth opposing squeezable panels, each of said panels having at least one arcuate indentation adapted to allow flexure of the respective panel without permanent distortion or creasing when a force is applied to the panel toward the container interior; and   a vacuum panel disposed between said squeezable panels; wherein after the force applied to the container is released, the container returns to approximately initial shape.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the squeezable panel comprises an undulating surface providing a smooth transition into the arcuate indentation. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the arcuate indentation is concave shaped. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the squeezable panel comprises three arcuate indentations. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein after force is applied toward the container interior, the squeezable panel decreases in convexity, becomes vertically straight or concave, or increases in concavity and the arcuate indentation increases in concavity. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the squeezable panel is vertically concave and the arcuate indentation is more concave. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the squeezable panel is a grip panel. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the force applied is that provided by squeezing the opposing squeezable panels with at least one hand to facilitate movement of the panels unto each other. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein after squeezing, product is dispensed from the container. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising adjoining panels and wherein said sidewall comprises two squeezable panels and two vacuum panels and including vertical transitional walls disposed between said adjoining panels, and wherein said body is adapted to increase volume contraction and reduce pressure, and said panels are adapted to contract inwardly in response to internal negative pressure due to packaging or subsequent handling and storage. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein the internal negative pressure is created during hot-fill processing and subsequent cooling of a hot liquid in said container. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said panels comprise a pair of opposing primary panels and opposing secondary panels. 
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the squeezable panels are the secondary panels having at least one arcuate indentation. 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein said primary panels comprise smaller surface area than said secondary panels. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the shoulder and base are substantially round. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said substantially smooth opposing squeezable panels are both shaped so as to contain no creases.